How to Create a Computer Based Training Tutorial
Computer-based Training tutorials provide instruction on completing tasks. Ideally, tutorials respond to a student's individual learning needs by assessing problems and recommending remedial help when required. CBT tutorials provide self-paced instruction to students who use it at their own pace and on their own flexible schedule. Creating an effective tutorial involves using an authoring system such as Adobe Captivate, Lectora or Articulate or a programming language to display instructional content (text, graphics and multimedia) and handle interactions such as multiple choice questions or practice environment simulations.
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Instructions
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Conduct an audience and task analysis to determine what you need to cover in your training tutorial. Typical tutorials covert tasks such as learning to use computer applications, selling products, negotiating with clients or learning a new language. Observe people performing the tasks and interview them about what problems they have. Ask them what contributes most to allowing them to successfully complete steps or accomplish goals. Consult additional subject matter experts to validate your findings.
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Design your instructional content. If you have access to training materials used in other settings, such as classroom instruction, use these materials as the basis of your course to streamline your design efforts. Create a course outline listing the tutorial lessons and associated learning objectives. Create a storyboard, a pictorial layout, to show how your tutorial will function.
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Develop your text, graphics and multimedia or assemble them from other sources. Write questions in formats such as multiple-choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank and matching to assess student learning in the tutorial. Capture screens or record a series of events to demonstrate how to complete a task or perform a function correctly and effectively. Provide different branches of instruction based on student responses. For example, if a student answers a question incorrectly, display remedial information and then ask another question to ensure the student learns the concepts, skills and knowledge necessary to proceed. Provide increasingly complex information as students demonstrate mastery of the material you present.
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Use an authoring system or programming language to organize the elements into a course format. Include summary screens to show students how well they have done. Allow students to re-take certain portions if they need too. Test the flow to make sure the overall structure makes sense logically.
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Package your CBT tutorial files on a CD-ROM or DVD for duplication and distribution. Include instructions on how to use the files and provide supplementary materials such as reference guides, job aids or posters that help students accomplish their learning objectives.
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Evaluate your tutorial. Observe several students taking the tutorial, ask for their feedback regarding its effectiveness and incorporate changes to your tutorial before releasing it for general usage.
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References
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